During the 2010 SK elections, 188,018 youths registered in the region.

Cebu poll officials also noticed a high turnout of registrants although they have no figures yet.

In Cebu City, private vehicles were seen stopping by Plaza Independencia and outside the Comelec offices, carrying food for registrants.

Aside from free food, the registrants were ferried to Comelec offices on board buses and other vehicles owned by the barangays.

A candidate for SK councilor was seen bringing a box of ball pens, stamp pads and registration forms.

“I’m just preparing the needs of the registrants,” said Archie Lerio, who planned to run for SK councilor in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.

Cebu City north district elections officer Marchel Sarno said providing free food and transportation couldn’t be considered a violation of the Omnibus Election Code, as the campaign period starts on Oct. 18.

In Mandaue City, 300 registered for the barangay elections and 800 for the SK elections on the first day of registration. In 2010, Mandaue City had 4,000 registrants for both SK and barangay elections.

Mandaue poll officer Anna Fleur Gujilde said that due to high turnout, barangay registration forms were filled out at tents outside the Comelec office and at Mandaue City Sports Complex for SK registrants.

In Leyte, several village officials were seen herding young voters—providing them with a ride or transportation allowance and food.

In Jaro town, Leyte, a barangay official whose daughter will run for SK chair admitted that she “escorted” would-be SK voters to the local Comelec office.

“Let’s be practical. I want to ensure the win of my daughter,” the barangay official said.

Felicismo Embalsado, Comelec assistant director for Eastern Visayas, asked the youth not to be persuaded by offers from barangay officials and aspirants.